In response to the most recent Cabinet meeting held on 14th May 2025, the NSF Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) has expressed cautious optimism regarding the establishment of an Enforcement Directorate aimed at bolstering the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Nagaland.
Acknowledging the government’s candid admission of shortcomings in enforcing the ILP compared to neighbouring states, particularly Mizoram, the ILRC underscored the urgency emphasized in their joint memorandum submitted to the Chief Secretary on 10th April 2025. It stated that the need to address the contents of the memorandum was imminent and should not be delayed further.
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The ILRC stated that the decision to explore visits to neighbouring states under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 could potentially lead to unnecessary expenditures of both time and resources. Citing the insightful recommendations of the Kesonyu Committee from 2017, the ILRC advocated for a renewed commitment to implementing these recommendations, which, if heeded earlier, could have significantly advanced the cause.
Drawing attention to the reports of the Alemtemshi Committee (2007) and the Senti Yanger Committee (2015), which presented detailed and well-considered recommendations that were regrettably disregarded post-submission, the ILRC questions the government’s commitment beyond rhetoric and paperwork. Highlighting past instances where committee reports were shelved without follow-through, the NSF ILRC called for tangible actions from the government to demonstrate genuine political resolve in enforcing the provisions of the BEFR, 1873.
Despite historical precedents of promising initiatives without substantive outcomes, the NSF ILRC said it views the outcome of the 14th May 2025 Cabinet meeting as a potential turning point. It urged the government to translate words into action and to demonstrate strong political will and take concrete action toward the enforcement of the provisions of the BEFR, 1873.